Moisture controlled motor system for closing automobile windows



5 Sheets-Sheet l N kw 3 DAVIS INVENTOR. zkfiaz'd "Um/ls ATTOR N EY MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Original Filed April 12, 1950 June 2, 1953 June 2, 1953 R. A. DAVIS 2,640,958

- MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Original Filed April 12, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTOR N EY June 2, 1953 R. A. DAVIS 2,640,958

MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Original Filed April 12, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5- INVENTOR.

' fil'afiardA Dm/zb ATTOR N EY 5 Shets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. fi'czanzAflm/w ATTORNEY R. A. DAVIS MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Original Filed April 12, 1950 June 2, 1953 June 2, 1953 R. A. DAVIS 2,640,958

MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Original Filed April 12, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Zzz'cimrd A Dan's ATTOH N EY ,fi is my mm Patented June 2, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOISTURE CONTROLLED MOTOR SYSTEM FOR CLOSING AUTOMOBILE WINDOWS Richard A. Davis, Miami Beach, Fla.

9 Claims.

This invention relates to automobiles and. particularly to the type thereof which is provided with power means for closing both the top and/ or the windows. More specifically, the present invention relates to means for automatically setting said power means into operation.

This application is a continuation of my prior application Serial No. 155,472 filed April 12, 1950, now abandoned.

Many types of automobiles have been designed, some with folding convertible tops, some with non-folding or rigid tops adapted to be moved bodily into open and closed positions, and others with fixed tops; all of which types are provided with sliding windows. In the present application, the invention is illustrated and described as applied to a convertible top automobile; but it is to be understood that the invention is applicable to any type of car equipped with electrically controlled means for closing either the top, or the windows, or both.

Automobiles of any of the types having a movable top are, or may be provided with electrically controlled operating means, either electric, hydraulic or mechanical, for closing the top when desired; and with similar electrically controlled power means for closing the windows.

Individual press-button actuated switches are usually provided for selectively setting said means into operation. Such operating means are well known in the art, and it is to be understood that the present invention does not relate to the top and window actuating means, per se, which may be of any preferred type, but relates to means for automatically setting said actuating means into operation.

The top, when movable, and the windows, constitute a plurality of closures for an automobile; and the primary object of the present invention is to provide, in an automobile equipped with power means for selectively closing said closures, means for automatically setting said power means into operation, in case of rain, drizzles or excessive mists, should the automobile have been left unattended with the closures open.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for accomplishing the above stated result without in any manner interfering with the usual manually controlled means provided for the purpose.

A further object of the invention is to provide means as mentioned which shall ensure a reasonably rapid closing of the car without excessive drain on the battery.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic control system as above stated vention consists generally in a normally open auxiliary parallel circuit for each of said closing mechanisms, electrically actuated circuit closing means in each of said auxiliary circuits, and moisture actuated means for initially starting said circuit closing means into operation. The

said electrically actuated circuit closing means are preferably arranged and connected so as to set the several power actuated closure mechanisms into operation in sequence, or in group sequence, so as to avoid undue drain on the battery.

The invention further consists in various details and arrangements of parts as will be described hereinafter and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification and in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the invention as applied to the circuits of a car equipped with electrically actuated, manually controlled closng means;

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view of a rain water accumulator, and primary switch arrangement, such as may be used as part of the device illustrated upon a much enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the same upon a reduced scale;

Fig. 4 is a detail plan View of the multiple switch operating means;

Fig. 5 is a detail section on substantially the line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detail view illustrating a modified form of drain for the water switch when such is used;

Fig. '11s a similar view of a further modification of the water switch assembly;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a modified for actuating the several switches are replaced by time delay actuating means; and

Fig. 10- is a diagram similar to Fig. 1 but illus- 3 trating diagrammatically hygroscopically actuated means for initially starting the device into operation.

Referring to Fig. l of the drawings, l indicates the folding top of an automobile, and H the frame thereof which is extended into the closed position illustrated by any suitable means such as a cylinder [2 and plunger rod l3 actuated by a hydraulic pum I4 driven by a motor l5. The motor I5 is connected to the positive side of the usual battery l5 by a lead i7, and to the negative side of the battery by a lead [8 in which is interposed a switch [9, usually of the push button type and preferably located on the instrument board or dash 20.

The specific statements herein as to the connections to the positive and negative poles of the battery have been used merely to simplify the description, and it should be understood to mean that the connections are to the opposite poles of the battery, as the polarity may be reversed from that indicated in the drawings without altering the construction or operation of the device.

Front and back windows are indicated at 2| and 22 respectively. ihe windows are equipped with electrically operated closing mechanisms 24, 25, 26 and 2'1, the same being provided for the right front, left front, right back and left back windows respectively. As details of said closing means may be of any preferred form, and as the construction thereof is not material to the present invention, said closing means are designated in the drawings by quadrilaterals bearing respectively the initials R. F.L. F.R. B. and L. 3. indicating the respective window which each is designed to operate.

The top H), top frame H, windows 2| and 22, and the hood 28 of the car are illustrated in dotted lines, as the form and specific details thereof are not essential to the present invention, and also to avoid confusion with the diagram of the circuits.

The window operating mechanisms 24, 25, 28 and 2'! are connected to the positive lead I! of the battery by conductors 30, and to the negative side of the battery by conductors 3| connected to anegative lead 32. In each of the conductors 3| is interposed a switch, preferably of the pushbutton type, so that each window may be operated by its respective actuating mechanism by manually closing the proper switch. Said switches are designated in the drawings by the numerals 33, 34, 35 and 36 for the circuits to the window closing mechanisms 24, 25, 26 and 21 respectively.

The elements so far mentioned and described are those common to automobiles of the type above mentioned which are equipped with electrically actuated top and/or window closing and opening means; and as the details of such parts vary in different makes and models of cars, such details are not illustrated in the drawings but merely indicated therein to an extent necessary to a proper understanding of the present invention.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide means for automatically closing the circuits normally controlled by the switch 19 and/or the several switches 3|, in order to set into operation the car closing means above described in the event of rain, drizzles or excessive mists, should the car have been left unattended and with the to and/or windows open. It is to be understood that the opening mechanism is not included, as such mechanism is separately and manually operated, and has no bearing on the form wherein an overflow tube 53' present invention which is designed solely for automatically actuating the closing mechanisms,

To this end an auxiliary switch is arranged in parallel with each of the switches l0 and 31, and means are provided for automatically closing said switches to complete the circuits to the several closing mechanisms in the desired order.

Referring to Fig. l, a switch 40 is arranged in parallel with the switch I3 of the top actuating mechanism; and switches 4|, 42, 43 and 44 are arranged in parallel with the switches 33, 34, and 35 respectively of the window closing mechanisms 24, 25, 2E and 21. The switches to 44 inclusive include fixed contacts 40', 41', 42, 43 and 44' respectively, and a preferably flexible movable contact 45. The movable contacts 45 are connected by conductors 45 to the negative side of the battery 15; and the several fixed contacts are connected by conductors 41 to the negative sides of the respective closing mechanisms l5 and 24 to 21 inclusive.

The movable arms 45 are actuated to engage the fixed contacts by cam discs 48, 42 and mounted on a shaft 5| driven by a motor 52 through interposed reduction gearing 53 as illustrated in e; and the circuit to the motor 52, fully described hereinafter, is completed through a circuit closing device which is actuated by accumulation of rain water or by drizzles or heavy mists.

The circuit closing device may be one actuated by accumulated rain water as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, and 6 to 9 inclusive, or it may be a device sensitive to drizzles or heavy mists, as illustrated in 10.

A rain water actuated switch 54 is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, and comprises a funnel shaped member consisting of an upper flared rain catchng portion 55, a vertical tubular well 58 in which is arranged a preferably copper clad float 5?, and contact members 58 and 59, The well 58 terminates in a conical bottom 60 at the apex of which is a minute drain opening Bl. A screen 52 may be arranged above the opening 6| to prevent foreign matter from clogging the same.

An overflow may be provided to dispose of excess accumulation of rain water in the well 55, said overflow being preferably located between the bottom of the flared portion 55, and the contacts 58-5i-i. is illustrated in Fig. 6, the well 56 may be attached to the portion by straps 53, with the upper end of the well spaced below said portion. In Fig. 7 is illustrated a modified is connected to the well 53 above the contacts 58 and 59, as by an elbow 5 Preferably a needle valve 5'." is fixed to and extends downwardly from the float 51, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7. This valve normally extends through the clrain opening 6i and minimixes the loss of water through said opening until the float 57 rises into engagement with the contacts 53 and 59; the length of the needle valve being such as to clear said drain opening when the float reaches the upper limit of the movement and engages said contacts.

The switch assembly 54 may be a unitary element, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, adapted to be arranged at any desired position upon a car when the system is to be applied thereto as an accessory; or the upper flared portion 55 may be formed as a depression in the hood 28, or other part of the car, when the automatic system is factory installed at the time the car is made, as indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

When rain water accumulates in the well 56, the float 5'! rises until it engages the contacts 58 and 59 thereby closing the circuit to the motor as will be presently described. As the flared portion is considerably greater in area than the cross-section of the well 58, a comparatively small amount of rain will be suflicient to operate the switch. It is obvious that the parts of the device may be proportioned as found desirable.

The contact 58 of the switch device 54 is connected to the positive end of the battery M5 by a conductor 84; and the contact 59 is connected by a conductor 65 to a relay switch 68 having a fixed contact 6'! connected to the conductor 85, and an armature 68 connected through a conductor 69 to the positive side of the battery l6, forming a shunt circuit for holding the switch elements 67- 58 closed for the complete operation of the device, should the rain water switch be opened by draining of water from the well 56.

A switch arm ll, mechanically connected to the armature 68 and movable therewith, is also connected to the conductor 89 and engages a contact 12 when the armature 68 engages the contact Bl. The contact 12 is electrically connected to the positive side of the motor 52, the opposite side of the motor being connected to the negative side of the battery by a conductor 13.

Interposed between the relay 86 and the negative side of the battery I6 is a normally closed switch comprising a switch arm 15 and a fixed contact 11. A conductor 18 connects the relay 66 with the contact 11, and a conductor 19 connects the switch arm 16 to the negative side of the battery, which may be accomplished by con:- necting conductor 19 to conductor 46, thus completing the circuit through the relay 86 except for the gap between the contacts 58 and 59 of the water switch 54. It is obvious that as soon as the float 51 is raised by the accumulation of rain water in the well 56 into engagement with air contacts 58 and 59, the relay 66 will be energized and close the switch I |-'|2 thereby completing the circuit to the motor 52 and setting the device into operation.

The energization of the relay 56 also closes the circuit through 6l58 thereby connecting the relay directly to the battery independently of the water-switch, and electrically locking the relay switch so as to maintain the device in operation until the closing of the top In and the several windows 2| and 22 is completed, even though the water should drain from the well 56 and open the switch therein.

The operation of the device as so far described is as follows, it being understood that the normal initial positions of the several elements are as illustrated in Fig. 1. Upon closing of the rain water switch 54, a current flows from the positive side of the battery |6 through the conductor order so as to prevent excessive drain on the battery. Preferably, the switch 40 controlling the circuit to the top closing mechanism is first actuated, and then the switches to the window closing means. The latter may be actuated in pairs, that is, both front windows may be simultaneously closed, and then both back windows. However, the order in which the window closing devices are operated is immaterial, and any desired arrangement may be employed.

Preferably, the cam 48' which closes the circult to the top closing means, extends about half the circumference of the disc 48, thereby holding said circuit closed during approximately one half revolution of the shaft. The cams 49 and 50 are each about a quarter of the circumference of their respective discs and are arranged to close their respective switches in successive pairs.

The complete cycle of operations of the closing mechanisms is accomplished upon one revolution of the shaft 5|; and in order that this may be completed as quickly as possible without undue drain upon the battery, the ratio of the reduction gearing 53 is such as to rotate the shaft 5| in approximately two minutes. This will cause the top to be closed in about one minute, the front windows in the next half minute, and the back windows in the following half minute. This timing is only approximate and may be varied as deemed necessary or desirable.

Upon completion of the cycle of operations to close the car, it is desirable to provide means for breaking the circuit to the motor 52 and also to automatically disconnect the water switch until the device is again manually reset, in order to prevent continual repetition of operation which would otherwise occur as long as the water switch remained closed during a continuous rain, or upon repeated closing the same with successive showers. To this end, the shaft 5| carries a cam disc 8| having a short peripheral cam 8| for closing a switchv 82 which results in breaking the circuit to the motor 52 when the cycle of operations is completed, as will be presently described.

The switch arm 16 is mechanically connected to the armature 85 of a relay 86, as by a nonconducting bar 81, and is actuated therewith when the relay 86 is energized, to bring said switch arm 16 and said armature 85 into engagement with fixed switch points 88 and 89 respectively. This opens the switch 16-11 thereby breaking the circuit through the relay 6B and water switch 54, permitting the switches 61-68 and ll-12 to open, breaking the circuit to the motor 52 and stopping the operation.

A pilot light 90 is connected to the switch point. 88 through a conductor 9|, and to the positive side of the battery as by conductors 92 and 64, so that as soon as the operation is completed the pilot light will glow. The contact of the armatur 85 and point 89 closes the circuit from the battery through the relay 96 and conductor 91 to a reset switch 98, maintaining said contact and continuing the glow of the pilot light until the device is reset by momentarily breaking the circuit at the reset switch.

I Means are also provided for rendering the closing mechanism inoperative while the ignition switch is closed. To this end a conductor 85 connects the relay 86 to the ignition switch 96 on the :dash board 20, so that upon closing the ignition switch the relay 86 is energized, and opens the switch '|6|| thereby breaking the circuit to the relay 66 and switch 54.

The preferred construction of the switches 4|] to 44 inclusive for automatically closing the circuits to the several closing mechanisms, and also the switch 82 for stopping the device, when the closing operations are completed, is illustrated in Figs. i and of the drawings. As shown therein, a support 10!, preferably of insulating material, is arranged substantially parallel with the cam. shaft 5!; and fixed to the underside of said bar 1 3i and extending therefrom toward the cam discs 48, 49, so and 81 are flexible arms 45. The arms are disposed in substantial parallel relation to the sides of the respective cam discs and with the ends thereof spaced laterally from said discs. The ends of the arms 45 are provided with laterally extending cam engaging members I02 which are preferably of insulating material, and project into the paths of the respective cams. As the switches 41 and 42 are actuated simultaneously, as are also the switches 43 and 44, a single member 83 provided for each of said pairs of switches. To minimize friction between the members 262 and the several cams, the under faces of said members are preferably rounded as indicated at I33,

Upon return of the operator to the closed car, the pilot light indicates that the mechanism has operated; and, when the car is provided with a convertible top, that the top should either he secured in place or lowered before the car is put in motion. Should desire to reset the mechanism into operative condition, the reset switch 98 is momentarily opened, breaking the circuit to the relay St and permitting the armature S5 and switch arm is to return to initial position as illustrated in Fig. l.

8 illustra es a modified form of the invention in which the reset switch $8 is omitted and the tic-n switch is employed for resetting the inec-h sin. in this form the several closure operating means together with the cam actuated circuit closing means for the same, are substan tially idem" al to those illustrated in Fig. 1.

A third relay H8 is added to the circuit, the armature iii of which is normally held in enwith contact point H2 electrically rooted to the armature 85' by a conductor H3.

trrnature Hi connected to the positive 1" the battery by a conductor H4. One side relay coil i is is connected as by conductors nd to the negative side of the batter" the other side of said coil is connected to one contact of the ignition switch 96 by a conductor l When the relay H5 is energized the armai i is moved into e gagement with a switch point ill wl *h is electrically connected to the conductor to extending between the switch point associated with the relay S3, and the contact points 82' of switch 82.

The operation of this modification of the invention is as follows, it being understood that the several parts initially in the positions shown in 8. When rain water enters the water-switch Siland raises the float 5? into engagemelit with the contacts 58 and 59,- a circuit is completed to t e relay throughthe normally closed switch 75-11, the circuit being from the battery through conductor 64 to the water-switch contacts fill-59, thence through conductor 65 to relay 65, through conductor l8 to switch point '11, switch :6, and back to the battery through conductor Bl. The energization of relay 86 closes the switch Ii-l2tl1ereby closing the circuit to the motor 52 through conductor i2 starting the closing mechanism into. operation as hereinbefore. described in connection with the circuit illustratedin. Fig 1.

Upon completion of the full cycle, cam 8| momentarily closes the contacts of switch 82 which closes the circuit to the coil of relay 86, electrically lockin relay 86 in closed position through armature 85 and contact 89 of relay 8E and contact H2 of relay H0. Upon energizing relay 86 the switch arm 16 engages the contact 88 closing the circuit to the pilot light so, and opens the coil circuit of relay 86 by breaking the contact between switch arm 16 and Contact '77. This renders the water switch inoperable.

Upon return of the operator to the closed car, the pilot light indicates that the mechanism has operated, and that the top should either be locked in place or lowered before the car is put in motion.

To reset the mechanism into operable position, it is but necessary to turn the ignition on" and then off. This operation will momentarily energize relay HS, thereby opening the battery circuit of relay 8%; and permitting the switch 15 to engage contact Tl.

The coil 1 18, being in the circui or", the ignition switch, is energized while the running, thereby bringing the switch 2 .to contact with .re switch point HE and g the circuit to the relay coil brealii the contact between the switch arm 7i; and contact ll. This breaks the cuit to relay 66 rendering the same inoperut re, and completely eli iinating any autoion of the device while the car is in 'l'ui' g the ignition switch to off on deenergizes the coil H6 which in turn dcenergizes the coil placing the mechanism in operating position.

pre manually operable switch H3 provided in the circuit to the miterewitcli cutting of the switch 5-5 and rendering the device inoperative.

In 9 further modification of the invention is illustrated wherein time delay relays are used for timing the operation of the several closing mechanisms.

5.7 the mechanisms for clean; the several windows individually. The manually operable switch ill for closii if the circuit to the mechanism IE, and similar switches 33, 3t, 35 and 38 in the circuits to the respective window closing meohalliSl'llS are provided for selectively closing the top i :iows. Also means are provided for autoy closing e several clos inthe event of rain, and said means are preferably so arranged to close the line in group sequence, all as fully explained in the description relating to the form of the invention shown in Pig. 1. Where possible, the elements similar to those hereinbefore described will be given corresponding reference characters.

The switches and 3: for the front window mechanisms are connected in parallel to the positive lead ll of the battery It by a conductor [20; and the switches 35 and 355 are similarly connected with said lead by a conductor l2l. Conductors 25, 25', 26, and 2 connect the opposite sides of the respective window mechanisms to a negative lead I22. The top actuating mechanism i5 is connected to the battery It? by conductors I22 and I23, andthe switch 18 is interposed in the latter.

Connected in parallel with the switch 19, the pair of switches 33 and 34, and the pairof switches 35 and 36, are delay relay switch assemblies A, B and C respectively. The assemblies A, B and C are connected in series, and are actuated in timed sequence when current is initially supplied thereto through the water-switch 54, the contact 58 of which is connected to the positive side of the battery by a conductor 64. The con tact 59 is connected by conductor 65 to a relay switch 66 having a fixed contact 61 connected to conductor 65, and an armature 68 connected through conductor 69, to the positive side of the battery forming a shunt circuit for holding the contact elements 61-68 closed for the duration of the complete operation of the device, whether or not the Water-switch is opened by drainage of the water therefrom. A switch arm 1 I, mechanically connected to the armature 68 and movable therewith, is also connected to the conductor 60 and is adapted to engage a contact 12 when the relay 66 is energized, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Each of the relay switch assemblies A, B and C comprises generally a relay coil, an armature electrically connected to the positive side of the battery, a pair of contacts adapted to be simultaneously engaged by the armature when the coil is energized, one of said contacts being in the circuit of the coil and the other contact being electrically connected to the respective closure operating mechanism which it is adapted to control. The assembly A is adapted to control the top operating mechanism, and the assemblies B and C to control the front and the back window mechanisms respectively. Each assembly includes a time switch which may be of any preferred form, but herein illustrated and described as a bimetallic switch arm and a heating element. A fourth delay relayswitch assembly D of similar construction is connected in series with the assemblies A, B and C and is adapted to stop the device after the complete operation thereof is finished, as will be described hereinafter.

The contact 12 of the relay 66 hereinbefore described, is electrically connected by conductor I24 with the coil I25 of relay assembly A. The relay has a fixed contact I26 connected to the circuit thereof, and a contact I21 connected to the conductor I23, between the top operating mechanism I and the switch I9, thereby connecting the same in parallel. The armature I28 of the relay I25 is connected to the positive side of the battery, as by a conductor I so that upon energization of the relay I the circuit will be closed to the top mechanism I5, starting the apparatus into operation.

To complete the circuit of the relay 66, a conductor I30 extends to a contact I3I of a nor mally closed switch, the arm I32 of which is connected as by conductor I33 to a negative lead I34 of the battery.

Mechanically connected to the armature I 28 of the assembly A, but insulated therefrom, is a switch arm I36 connected by conductor I31 with the negative lead I34. When the relay is energized to close the circuit to mechanism I5, the switch arm I36 engages a contact I38 closing a circuit through a heating element I39 of a time switch. This switch may be of any preferred form, but as illustrated it comprises a bi-metallic arm I40, which when heated by the element I39 engages a contact MI. The arm I40 is connected by conductor I 42 to the positive lead of the battery and when contact is made, the circuit is closed through the relay coil I45 of assembly B.

It should be noted that the circuit of the relay I25 is completed through a normally closed switch constituting a portion of the assembly B; said switch comprising a, switch arm I46 connected to the negative lead I34 as by conductor I46; and a contact I 41 connected to the relay coil I25 by the conductor I48.

The armature I50 of the relay I45 is connected to the positive lead of the battery, and when'the coil I45 is energized the armature engages a contact I5I connected to the circuit of the coil, and also engages a contact I52 which is connected by conductors I53 with the front window mecha-' nisms 24' and 25, thereby setting the same into operation.

The armature I50 is mechanically connected to the switch arm I46, but is insulated therefrom; and when the armature I50 engages the contacts I 5| and I52, said switch arm I46 engages a contact I54 connected to a heating element I55 of a time delay switch which includes a bi-metallic arm I56 and contact I51. As the arm I56 is heated it engages the contact I51 which closes the circuit through a relay coil I60 forming a part of the relay assembly C. The circuit of the coil I45 is completed through a normally closed switch forming a part of assembly C and comprising a switch arm I 6I connected by conductor I62 to the negative lead I 34, and a contact I62 connected to the coil I45 by conductor I64.

Upon energization of coil I60 the armature I65 engages contact I66 in the coil circuit, and also contact I61 which is connected to the back window closing mechanisms by conductors I68, thereby setting said mechanisms into operation to close the back windows. As the armature is moved into engagement with contacts I66 and I61, the switch arm I6I engages the contact I69, closing the circuit to heating element I10 which actuates the switch arm I12 causing the same to engage contact I13. This closes thecircuit to the relay coil I 15 of a relay assembly D. Energization of relay coil I15 causes armature I16 to engage contact I11 and electrically lock the armature in place, as will be described hereinafter. A switch arm I18 connected to the nega-.

tive lead I34, and normally held in engagement with a contact I19 connected by a conductor I to coil I60, completes the initial circuit of said coil.

Contact I11'is connected-to the heating element I of a time delay relay switch arm I86 which is normally in engagement with a contact I81 electrically connected to armature I16 by a conductor I88; and said arm I86 is connected electrically to the positive lead I1 of the battery. When the armature I 16 closes against contact I 11 the circuit is completed through arm I86, conductor I88 and armature I 16 to lock the latter in closed position.

When the armatures of the several relay switch assemblies A, B, C and D engage the contacts I26, I5I, I66 and I11 in the circuits to the coils I25, I45, I60 and I15,respectively, the armatures and the switches connected thereto are locked in position until the circuits to the several armatures are broken. This is done successively. When the engagement of arm I46 with contact I41 of assembly B is broken upon energization of the relay I 45, the circuit to relay coil I25 is broken thereby releasing the armature I28 and swtich arm I36. This stops the operation of the top closing mechanism I5. When relay I60 is energized the circuit to relay I45 is broken by opening the switch I 6I-I62 thereby stopping the operation of the front window closing mechanisrns 24 and 25. Similarly, when energization of relay I15 breaks the engagement between arm I18 and contact I79, the coil I60 is deenergized and the switch I55-I Bl opens, breaking the circuit to the back window closing mechanisms 26 and 27.

It is obvious that the timing of the successive operations may be regulated by adjusting the distances between the bimetallic arms when in normal position, and their respective contacts.

As hereinbefore stated, the circuit of the coil 58 is completed through a switch arm I32 and contact I3I; the complete circuit being from battery it, conductor 94 to water-switch 54, then through conductor 55, relay 66, conductor I30, switch Edi-432 and conductor I33 to the opposite side of the battery.

The switch arm I32 is mechanically connected to the armature I90 of a relay coil I9I which is connected to the negative lead I34 by a conductor I92, and by a conductor I93 to a contact point I94 adjacent the switch. arm I86 of assembly D. A contact I95 is provided in the circult of the coil l9! to be engaged by the armature I90 when said coil is energized in order to lock said armature in closed position. When the coil I9I is energized, the switch arm I32, which is connected to but insulated from the armature, is moved into engagement with a contact point I9! connected by a conductor I98 to the signal connected to the conductor 64 from, the positive side of the battery, and the other end connected to the contact I91 of switch I32 as by conductor 20I'. By this arrangement as soon as the cycle of operations of the device has been completed, and the relay coil energized to close the circuit to the signal lamp 90, as above described, the

solenoid 2% Will be energized and retract valve 290 to drain the well 56. The valve 200 will remain open as long as coil I9I is energized, thereby maintaining the entire mechanism inoperatlve.

For resetting the mechanism, a relay coil 205 is provided, said relay having an armature 206, and contacts and 202. The coil 205 is connected in series with the ignition switch 96 by a conductor 229 extending from the negative pole of the switch to said coil, and a conductor 2I0 from the coil to the negative lead I34 of the battery; and the armature 206 is connected to the positive lead H by a conductor 2I I. Closing the ignition switch energizes relay coil 205 bringing armature 256 into engagement with contact 268 which is connected to conductor I93 leading to relay coil l9I. This energizes relay HM, and at the same time breaks the engagement between armature 206 and contact 201, opening the holding circuit of relay I9I. By opening the contacts of the ignition switch 95, by turning to the off position, the element of time consumed between opening the contact between armature I32 and contact point I95, and the closing of contacts 296-401 of relay 205, automatically resets the relay HH and closes contacts I3I-I32 of relay I9I placing the elements in operative position.

When the car is inmotion the ignition switch is closed at all times which electrically locks the device from automatic operation. Upon turning the switch to off position the entire mechanism will be reset and placed in operative condition.

In some climates or localities, heavy mists and drizzles frequently occur which are sufilcient to wet the interior of an open car, but of insulficient magnitude to operate the rain water switch hereinbefore described. To meet such conditions a circuit closer sensitive to all forms of atmospheric moisture may be substituted for the rain water switch; and in Fig. 10 of the drawings I have illustrated diagrammatically a device of this character. As shown therein, two spaced bars 2I5 and 2H5 are provided which are connected by a plurality of human hairs 2II. The bar 2I5 is furnished with an adjusting screw 2I8; and the bar 2I6 is secured to one end of alever 2I9 which is pivotally mounted as at 220. The opposite end of the lever from the bar 2I6 is connected by a wire or link 22I to one end of a lever 222. The lever 222 is pivotally mounted as at 223 and carries the contact 58 which is electrically connected to the circuit by the conductor 64. The contact 59 is mounted adjacent the contact 58 and is connected to the conductor 55 leading to the relay 5B. When the atmosphere is comparatively dry, the hairs 2II contract, and through the levers above described, separate the contacts 58 and 59. When the atmosphere becomes more moist, the hairs lengthen and permit engagement of the contacts; and a light spring 224 may be provided to insure proper contact at such times.

In Fig. 10 the hygroscopically actuated circuit closer above described, is illustrated in conjunction with the circuit shown in Fig. 1; but it is obvious that it may be substituted for the rain water switch in the circuits illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

It is believed that the operation of the device will be fully understood from the above description. Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described, it is to be understood that various changes and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1. In an automobile having a convertible top and vertically movable windows, electrically actuated closing means for said top, similarly oper ated closing means for said windows, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said several closing means; in combination with an auxiliary switch in parallel with each of said manually operable switches, means for closing said auxiliary switches comprising a rotary shaft, cams on said shaft adapted to engage and close the last mentioned switches, a motor for driving said shaft, and a rain water actuated switch interposed in the circuit to said motor for automatically closing said circuit.

2. In an automobile having a convertible top and vertically movable windows, electrically actuated closing means for closing said top and said windows, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said several closing means; in combination with an. auxiliary switch in parallel with each of said manually operable switches, means for closing said switches in the desired sequence, a motor for operating said switch closing means, a rain water actuated switch interposed in the circuit to said motor,

a normally closed switch also in said circuit, a relay shunted in said circuit and adapted when energized to open said normally closed switch and maintain the same in open position, a cam operated switch adapted to close the circuit through said second relay after the closing operaticns have been completed, and a normally closed reset switch in the circuit to said relay, adapted when opened to de-energize said relay and permit closing of said normally closed switch.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by a pilot light interposed in the circuit to said normally closed switch when the same has been actuated to break the circuit to the first said relay.

4. In an automobile having a plurality of closures, electrically actuated closing means for each of said closures, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said several closing means; in combination with auxiliary switches in parallel with said manually operable switches, time delay relays adapted to close said auxiliary switches in timed sequence, and a rain water switch for initially closing the circuit to the first of said relays.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 4 in which the delay relays are connected in sequence with each other and in parallel with the closing means.

6. In an automobile having a plurality of movable closures, electrically controlled means for closing each of said closures, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said closing means; in combination with an auxiliary switch in parallel with each of said manually operable switches, means for closing said switches in predetermined order, a signal lamp, a relay for closing the circuit to said lamp, means for closing the circuit to said relay upon completion of the closing cycle, a rain water switch interposed in the circuit to said means for closing said auxiliary switch, said rain water switch including a well, a pair of contacts in said well, a float operable by accumulation of water in the well for closing the circuit through said contacts, a valve in the lower portion of said well, a solenoid in parallel with said lamp for opening said valve simultaneously with the lighting of signal lamp.

7. In an automobile having a convertible top and vertically movable windows, electrically actuated closing means for said top, similarly operated means for each of said windows, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said several closing means, in combination with an auxiliary switch in parallel with said manually operable switches, respectively, means for closing said auxiliary switches in sequence, and a rain-water actuated switch for closing the circuit to the first of said auxiliary switches to be operated.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7, further characterized by a locking switch interposed in the circuit to the first closure actuating switch, a solenoid for actuating said locking switch upon closing of said water actuated switch, and means for automatically breaking the circuit to said solenoid at the completion of the cycle of operation of the device.

9. In an automobile having a convertible top and vertically movable windows, electrically actuated closing means for said top, similarly operated closing means for said windows, and manually operable switches for selectively closing the circuits to said several closing means in combination with an auxiliary switch in parallel with each of said manually operable switches, means for closing said auxiliary switches, a motor for operating said closing means, a switch interposed in the circuit to said motor and actuated by atmospheric precipitation for automatically closing said circuit and means for automatically breaking the circuit to said motor upon completion of the operation of the several closing means.

RICHARD A. DAVIS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,147,559 Sherman July 20, 1915 2,171,329 Boone Aug. 29, 1939 2,173,575 Binns Sept. 19, 1939 2,198,488 Smith Apr. 23, 1940 2,439,121 Adelson Apr. 6, 1948 2,443,687 Marquard June 22, 1948 

